Generational Trauma
Many things get passed down through families, like heirlooms, genetic conditions and physical characteristics. In some cases, trauma can be inherited, too. Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma) is a field of study that researchers have a lot to discover regarding its impact and how it presents in people who experience it. This emerging field of study is known as epigenetics and is defined as a set of potentially inheritable changes in the genome that can be induced by environmental events.
It is theorized that generational trauma can be induced through in-utero exposure (for example, a fetus being exposed to chemicals involved in maternal stress, such as cortisol, that impact future development) or through epigenetic changes. These are the changes to an individual's DNA as a result of a traumatic experience that can theoretically be passed down through generations.
Generational trauma is not just experienced by one person; it extends from one generation to the next. Studies recorded high rates of psychological distress among children of individuals who survived the Holocaust and the concept of generational trauma was first recognized. However, in theory, any type of extreme, prolonged stress could have adverse psychological effects on children and grandchildren, resulting in clinical anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
We know trauma can manifest itself through stress, anxiety, fight or flight and other heightened alert systems in our brain and bodies, but intergenerational trauma can also mask itself through learned beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that become ingrained. This kind of wiring impacts personalities, relationships, parenting, communication and views of the world. Because transgenerational trauma is a form of indirect traumatic exposure, it often goes unrecognized or is misdiagnosed by clinicians. The experience of traumatic stress can increase susceptibility to both mental and physical health issues.
In conceptualizing treatment for individuals experiencing transgenerational trauma, it is critical to take into account the ways in which various cultural factors impact how different treatments may be received or perceived. Although the mechanisms through which transgenerational trauma are consistent across cultures, there are variations in the degree of sociocultural factors that may exacerbate the effects in different marginalized communities. Additionally, therapists must incorporate a culturally responsive perspective to whichever course of therapy they chose to implement. It is imperative for therapists to focus on establishing a concrete basis of trust and safety within the therapeutic relationship.
There are no easy answers, but generational trauma can be resolved if a holistic, intense intervention is put in place. This often involves individual therapy; group/family therapy is another option. Another aspect that can be helpful is education, knowing you are not alone or helpless and knowing that there may have been factors outside of your control might help process the trauma. When we process things and understand them, we can then often find coping mechanisms. When we find coping mechanisms, we can redefine ourselves and reclaim a part of our life.
Here are four articles for further reading:
“What is Intergenerational Trauma?,” WebMD, Evan Starkman, Medical reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 9, 2022
“The legacy of trauma,” American Psychological Association, February 2019, Vol 50, No. 2, Page 36, Tori DeAngelis
“Understanding Intergenerational Trauma,” Mind Support, Gema Benavdes Jimenez, 8/21/2021
“How Trauma Gets passed Down Through Generations,” Native Hope
“Inter-generational Trauma: 6 Ways it Affects Families,” PsychCentral, Gina Ryder and Taneasha White, Medically by Matthew Boland, PhD, April 15, 2022
Here are today’s Wellness Wednesday Program book suggestions:
